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Semiconductor Process Engineer Jobs in California

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will ...

Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems. * Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied ...

Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems. * Advance process development by combining fundamental plasma ...

Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems. * Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied ...

... semiconductor industry. You will contribute to lab design and expansion, define hardware ... Process Engineering: Bring structure to unstructured workflows by establishing process control ...

Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems. * Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied ...

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Experience in semiconductor processing technology beneficial * Leadership * Leads projects with ...

Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems. * Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied ...

Senior Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Hands-on Experience in Semiconductor Back End Process Engineering required. * Hands-on Experience in wafer thinning, dicing, die-attach, flip chip, and wire bonding preferred Knowledge/Skills: * 10 ...

Senior Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Hands-on Experience in Semiconductor Back End Process Engineering required. * Hands-on Experience in wafer thinning, dicing, die-attach, flip chip, and wire bonding preferred Knowledge/Skills: * 10 ...

Process Engineer 4/KAT

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer/KAT at Lam, you will ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor ...

Showing results 41-60

Semiconductor Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do semiconductor process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a semiconductor process engineer make?

The average salary for a semiconductor process engineer in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level engineers typically earn lower salaries, while those with specialized skills or advanced certifications can earn more. Salaries may also include bonuses and benefits related to working in cleanroom environments and with advanced manufacturing tools.

What are some common challenges faced by semiconductor process engineers in their daily work?

Semiconductor Process Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting yield losses, identifying defects, and addressing variations in process performance. The role requires careful analysis to pinpoint root causes of issues and the ability to swiftly implement solutions without disrupting the overall production schedule. Engineers must also adapt quickly to evolving technologies and stay current with best practices to keep manufacturing lines efficient. Balancing strict quality standards with the fast pace of semiconductor production can be demanding, but it also provides valuable learning opportunities and the satisfaction of directly impacting cutting-edge technology.

What is a semiconductor process engineer?

A Semiconductor Process Engineer develops, optimizes, and monitors manufacturing processes for semiconductor devices. They work in cleanroom environments, focusing on lithography, etching, doping, and deposition to improve yield and efficiency. Their role involves troubleshooting process issues, collaborating with design and production teams, and ensuring quality standards are met. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with knowledge of semiconductor fabrication techniques and process control methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a semiconductor process engineer?

A Semiconductor Process Engineer typically requires a degree in materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to optimize manufacturing processes. Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, semiconductor fabrication tools like photolithography equipment, and statistical process control (SPC) software is highly beneficial. Effective teamwork, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities help engineers collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and clearly address production issues. These competencies are essential to ensure consistent product quality, operational efficiency, and rapid innovation in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

What job categories do people searching Semiconductor Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Semiconductor Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Semiconductor Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Semiconductor Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

$104K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The group you'll be a part of
In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.
The impact you'll make
As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology, harnessing atomic precision, material science, and surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test data, and coordinating design requirements to ensure compatibility of processing methods. Your expertise and knowledge play a crucial role our customers success, making an impact on the next generation of semiconductor breakthroughs.
In this role, you will directly contribute to ___.
What you'll do
  • Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems.
  • Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied in the manufacture and fabrication of products.
  • Develop and sustain new processes and process improvements to reduce production costs and increase yields.
  • Compile and analyze test data to establish next steps in process development and determine appropriate limits and variables for process specifications.
  • Collaborate internally to plan, collect data, analyze results, and report on customer demos for existing process applications.
  • Partner cross-functionally and with customers to understand roadmaps, process flow, inflection points, requirements, and business challenges.
  • Contribute to next generation product development and release activities supporting the semiconductor roadmap.
  • Provide leadership, clear direction, and guidance to process technicians to support execution activities.

Who we're looking for
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience.

Preferred qualifications
  • Familiarity with working in a laboratory and on semiconductor equipment with experience in surface preparation and analytical techniques.
  • In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Highly proficient in MATLAB, Python, or other similar scientific computing language.
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience with statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, etc.)
  • Background in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).
  • Background in Plasma Physics, Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), Atomic Layer Etching (ALE), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP).
  • Knowledge of Material synthesis and material characterization.
  • Experience working in a collaborative and matrixed environment with diverse teams, semiconductor customers, and/or partners.
  • Experience in semiconductor, process design, deposition, etch dielectrics or conductor, metal films, etc.

Our commitment
We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.
Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.
Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories - On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. 'On-site Flex' you'll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. 'Virtual Flex' you'll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.
Salary
CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $104,000.00 - $231,000.00.
The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.
Our Perks and Benefits
At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

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